As said in my OP, and backed by some here... " In any case..shot placement is primary."
That in itself, can explain much.. I don't know about others, but I am a far better shot with a .22 than I am with a heavy centerfire.
I say that with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek, since being a rifleman at heart, I freely admit that am no great shakes
with a handgun.
If I could shoot a handgun like any of my grandsons..2 experienced LEOs, one combat experienced, I would be a much better
pistol shot.
Frankly, I think a .22 rifle semi-auto, such as a marlin 60 or 10/22, would make a very effective deterrent under most conditions.
5-6 Velocitors, well aimed to the face or body, could be an effective deterrent.. but of course, situations differ.
Here again..we digress..the OP was aimed at .22 only.